Getting To Know The U.S. Tryout Pool: Lindsey Munday

This week we're catching up with some of the players selected to the 2014-2015 U.S. Women's Team Tryout Pool. Here's what USC Head Coach Lindsey Munday (Northwestern '06), a nine-time veteran of the National Team, had to say in preparation for this weekend's tryout:

(Inside Lacrosse Photo: J. Strohsacker)

Lindsey Munday

Alma Mater: Northwestern '06

Position: Attack

U.S. Team Experience: 9 Years

ILW: The National Team tryout is always one of the most challenging, rigorous weekends of the year. How have you been physically preparing for the three-day tryout?

LM: Luckily USC has amazing facilities that are at my fingertips. I think the biggest thing is putting in the right kind of work. Over the years I have come to understand what I need in order to perform at my best. Being an attacker, I do a lot of sprint workouts with turns involved. I don't do too much long distance running, but keep it to short interval work which is more game like for me. I also lift three times a week, as well as do shooting and stick work. The hardest part is finding places when our travel schedule gets crazy - Devon and I have been known to train in some pretty weird spots! One time we ran 150 shuttles in a hotel hallway, people thought we were crazy.

ILW: You're a veteran player on the U.S. Team, what are some new approaches you've been taking in preparation for this tryout in particular?

LM: Every year I tweak my training regimen as I learn what works and what doesn't. It seems like every year we are raising the bar in terms of training - if last year we did 10, this year we are doing 20. I think it's about always trying to get better in every aspect. In terms of lifting we have tried to incorporate sleds into our workouts recently - sleds are something that I feel translates right away in terms of power and quickness.

ILW: A longtime veteran on the U.S. Team, a number of the players that you’ve played with over the years recently “hung up the cleats.” Who are some of those players you’ve played alongside over the years that you’re going to miss taking the field with?

LM: It is so sad to think about players who are not coming back! In terms of the World Cup Team, Sarah Albrecht and Amber Falcone are two that I am going to miss a lot. I've been playing with Sarah since 2002, so it is crazy to think that she isn't going to be there. They both brought such incredibly energy to the field, so it's definitely going to be hard without them.

ILW: What's the best piece of advice you could offer young players hoping to make the U.S. Team someday?

LM: If you want it, go for it! Don't let setbacks discourage you from going after your dreams. I didn't make the US Team the first few years I tried out, I wasn't ready. The tryouts were incredible learning experiences for me and it showed me what I needed to do in order to get there. It's ok to fail sometimes because it makes the reward that much better when it does happen.

ILW: What have been some of the greatest challenges you've had to overcome during your career as a player? How has that helped you grow as a National Team player?

LM: Injuries always come to mind when thinking about challenges. Unfortunately they happen all too often. I tore my ACL and broke my wrist (on separate occasions) relatively close to the '09 and '13 World Cups, respectively. I had to rehab very hard in order to get back and compete for a spot. I think with any challenge, it is the mindset that you take with it. How are you going to respond? Are you going to give up, or are you going to fight? I think sometimes we don't realize that everyone goes through hard times. It always looks perfect in the end, but those are just the people that stuck it through and fought.

ILW: You’ve played against some of the toughest defenders and goalkeepers in the world — and play alongside many of them on the U.S. Team. Who are some that continue to challenge you and help you grow as an offensive player?

LM: Devon Wills has to be first on that list. I am lucky enough to get to work with her at USC, and train and play with her on the US Team. Devon is not only a very talented goalie, she is also one of the hardest working people I know. She pushes me to get better every single day (both on the field and off). Honestly, I think every defender/goalie that I've played with an against have pushed me to get better - Amber Falcone is incredibly smart, Gina Oliver has a sweet front check that keeps you in line, and Jenn Russell has such great feet and quickness it's hard to get a step on her.

ILW: You coach alongside Devon Wills at USC. What’s the best part about having a National Team member on your staff to train with and prepare for these weekends with?

LM: I am so thankful to have someone to train with here at USC. It's awesome to have someone to push you when you need to be pushed, and motivate you on the days where you can't motivate yourself. As I said above, she is an incredibly hard worker and is constantly trying to push her game to the next level which in turns make me raise the bar, as well - and we both love lax so that doesn't hurt either!

ILW: What is the most rewarding aspect of playing on the National Team?

LM: To be able to put on a jersey that says "USA" is very hard to describe. It is humbling, exciting, rewarding, and just flat out awesome all rolled into one. To hear the National Anthem before the game wearing the red, white, and blue is something that you dream about - and it's something that has never and will never get old.